Te Araroa, New Zealand Te Araroa means “the long pathway” in Maori. Completed in 2011, it’s a 3,000-kilometer continuous trail extending from Cape Reinga on the North Island to Bluff on the South. If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. – Erica Jong North Island posts NorthlandAucklandWaikato/King CountryWhanganuiManawatuWellington South Island posts Nelson/MarlboroughCanterburyOtagoSouthland Te Araroa, New Zealand - Oct-Mar, 2018—19 Did I possess the grit, fortitude, determination, and the sheer pig-headedness to stick with a walk of 1,864 miles? Granite Gear Crown2 60 backpack review Followers named my superbly designed, lightweight but rugged Granite Gear pack, Olive Oyl. La Sportiva Akyra Trail Runners review Breathable, flexible, wicking and lightweight, La Sportiva is running shoe meets hiking boot. Tarptent Notch Li partial solid w/silnylon floor review Set up is a snap for my ultralight and rugged tarptent, named the"alicoop" by followers. Leki Micro Vario Ti Cor-tec review I swear by foldable, bomb-proof Leki trekking poles to keep me upright. The little light that could The Black Diamond Spot is only 3 ounces with loads of functionality, but I can never remember the steps. TA video: Thru-hike prep with visual aids In Silent-Film-style, the Blissful Hiker sets the "alicoop" and finally crawls in for a little shut eye. ten reasons to add hot yoga to your thru-hike prep The 26 poses are some of the most effective of all workouts, both energizing and therapeutic. TA audio narrative: who is this "blissful hiker" you speak of? I love being a DJ, but wanted to experience a thru-hike before it was too late. gear list for the Te Araroa The Blissful Hiker's packed weight for 5 months on the Te Araroa is under 15 pounds. Soto Amicus review I had 25 ounces at a rolling boil on my 3 ounce stove in about 4 minutes. TA video: alison’s big adventure What I lack in experience, I make up with enthusiasm. Hammock Gear Burrow quilt review A quilt opens beneath you and puts the down feathers on top. where you need them. training is life; life, training How do you get in shape for a long thru-hike? By being intentional in making fitness a part of life. TA audio narrative: Does orange make my butt look fat? It's said that people fear public speaking - and looking ridiculous - more than death. walking hand-in-hand with Beethoven Walking is good for you – and for the creative mind – as so many composers were fully aware of. TA audio narrative: no outcomes backpacking If you arrive at a final destination, it’s a sign that you’ve set your sights too low. TA video: ready or not... The Blissful Hiker Alison Young packs ultralight gear to ready to go to New Zealand. TA...and away she goes! In late October, I said goodbye and set off for the other side of the world. TA Day 1, Cape Reinga to Twilight Camp - 13 km After 3 flights, and 36 hours of travel, I start the hike, falling asleep to crashing waves at Twilight. TA Day 2, Twilight Camp to Maunganui Bluff - 28 km Following the stairs down from Scott Point, the Blissful Hiker begins the Ninety Mile Beach. TA Day 3, Maunganui Bluff to Utea Park - 30 km Awakened by wild horses, the Blissful Hiker heads back onto the long, lonely Ninety Mile Beach. TA audio narrative: suddenly D-day After 36 hours of travel, I arrived in New Zealand and started hiking right away. TA Day 4, Utea Park to Ahipara, 32 km On the final day walking the Ninety Mile Beach, the wind changes and brings blow carts my way. TA Day 5, Takahue Saddle Road to below Umaumakaroo - 16 km Tuis, bell birds, roots and mud – the deepest I've seen in my entire life – in the Raetea Forest. TA Day 6, Umaumokaroo to Apple Dam - 26 km The mud continues until the bush abruptly ends at rolling hills headed toward more bush. TA Day 7, Apple Dam to Puketi Forest camp - 36 km A long walk through the Puketi forest takes me past manuka honey bees and a kauri forest. 1 2 3 … 7 Next »